New volunteer says meeting Princess Anne was 'very exciting'

Her Royal Highness was struck by the excellent publications produced by the group for cruise ship visitors to the town and their commitment to promoting the district.

One starstruck member told how he was thrilled to have been chosen as one of a party pf eight to greet the Princess Royal - less than a year after joining the tourist group.

David Ralston, 63, said: "I was delighted to be one of the eight to represent the tourist group on that occasion, it was very exciting.

"The princess was very nice, natural and just chatting. She was very interested in all the publications that the tourist group produces, she was very engaged in what we do and asked how long we'd been involved and where the visitors came from."

Former teacher David retired to Greenock three years ago along with his wife, from Paisley.

He said said: "We always fancied living by the water, so we moved to the area and we are very positive about Inverclyde and the chance to share that with other visitors is quite appealing. It also means finding out more about the area and the history.

"I do love cruising and it was an opportunity to speak to passengers and get up close to the ships, so it was quite appealing for me to become a volunteer.

"My neighbour is a member and I knew they were looking for new members, so I applied and underwent the training and I was successful.

"It is also a chance to improve my languages, I speak some German and I am learning Spanish."

David added: "They are a very nice group, very friendly, that is another aspect to volunteering, it is something I would recommend.

"On cruise days there are thousands of people coming through the terminal, showing them about and telling them about the area is a very positive experience."

The visit by Princess Anne and her husband Sir Tim Laurence was also an opportunity for the tourist group to showcase their new stand, which was made by the Men's Shed.

Vice-chair Tony McGoldrick said: "The new unit is used by us to meet all the visitors and it's more professional.

"The Men's Shed had been making the unit and completed it early in time for the visit and it is purpose built for us and paid for by Inverclyde Council."

The group won the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service and this was in pride of place during the visit.

Tony said: "Princess Anne and Sir Tim spent a good 20 minutes with us and they showed a genuine interest in the leaflets we produced for passengers and visitors.

"Princess Anne was particularly interested in the Greenock Cemetery Walks which has the greatest number of war graves from both world wars in Scotland."